VIDEO: Physicians are opting for more flexible maintenance of certification
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In this video, Robert O. Roswell, MD, FACP, FACC, associate dean for diversity, equity and inclusion at Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, discusses how doctors are maintaining their certifications and the value of those exams.
In a viewpoint published in JAMA, Roswell and colleagues described a shift in how board-certified doctors are choosing to participate in maintenance of certification (MOC). He noted that 80% of eligible physicians across all disciplines are choosing the American Board of Internal Medicine’s Longitudinal Knowledge Assessment (LKA), preferring it over the traditional long-form MOC exam taken every 10 years. Introduced in 2022, the LKA is an ongoing exam spanning a 5-year period that can be taken at home.
A big reason for the shift is the growing administrative burden on physicians, who are looking for more flexibility in their MOC, Roswell said.
Evidence suggests that MOC is linked to lower mortality, greater adherence to guidelines and several other benefits.
“If you score higher on your exam, the mortality of your patients is lower than those who score lower on the exam. [There are] fewer hospitalizations [and] fewer emergency room visits,” said Roswell, who also serves on the ABIM board of directors. “What is really important is that there’s a whole host of outcomes associated with better patient care, better patient outcomes with those who are maintaining certification.”
Roswell also discussed whether self-assessment alone is enough for physicians to stay up to date on current practices — he does not believe it is — as well as the role of artificial intelligence in MOC.